The mother of all support groups

There is no manual to being a mother as each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, skills and abilities. Cuddlers, Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre and the Fourways Review, under the banner of Caxton Cares, are proud to support all unique mothers.

They have partnered together to create a safe place for moms to come together in support of each other while being able to learn vital skills, tips and tricks about childcare.

During the mid-May session, mothers were treated to a light lunch while learning about the different milestones of young children, what changes they can expect in the coming months, how to handle challenges such as separation anxiety and managing food and fluid intake and how to improve their child’s concentration.

Moms with older children were given advice on how to balance being a mom and a friend to their teenagers – how to maintain communication and openness with their teen, while still retaining their authority.

On completion of the session, the mothers received an attendance certificate showing what they had learnt.

Murray Booth, chief happines officerat Cuddlers, shared how thrilled he was to be part of an initiative that was committed to uplifting mothers.

“It is incredible to see the bond between the women, and the support they give to one another,” she said.

“This is truly a remarkable group and Cuddlers is so honoured to be a part of it.

“A big thank you to these women for opening up to Cuddlers and letting us truly connect with them.”

Teboho Katze, the business development manager at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, said that it’s time to give back to our mothers.

“Mothers have to fulfil a variety of roles as one person. They are teachers, protectors, caregivers, housekeepers. The list could go on forever, but they too sometimes need a safe place to go where they can receive support and spoils. We want to be that place.”

Joseph Zondi and Khetsa Dhlamini from Care Project, a self-supportive community organisation based in Pineslopes, were also there on the day to teach the women skills, such as CV writing.

Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre are on the lookout for a psychosocial support volunteer that is registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP council).

Should you be interested, please contact fhumulanim@witkoppen.co.za

The sessions run bimonthly on Thursdays. The next session will take place on 23 May at 10:30am at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, 105 William Nicol Drive.

Details: Fhumulani Makhera fhumulanim@witkoppen.co.za